Ballan Brumbies Basketball

Ballan Brumbies returned to the court for the new season last weekend with a series of heart-starter results, chief amongst them the under 14 C girls, the Brumbies girls hoping to avenge last seasons semi-final loss.

The game was, frankly, a dour and defensive struggle in the early stages as both teams came out playing intense basketball. Ballan had the better quality and greater number of chances early, but couldn’t make a basket for love nor money. Finally, after a scoreless opening nine minutes, Meg Solterbeck broke the stalemate with a pair of free throws, Albi Pike quickly following up with a neat baseline jumper after some strong work in the key.

Sienna Molloy got Drummo on the board with a deep jump shot before Brumbies speedster Ailah McFall burnt a pair of defenders to score on the break. A pair of tough baskets in traffic to Pike and Ruby McLeod saw Ballan, despite their slow start, take a comfortable 10-2 lead into half time.

After half time, however, the tables well and truly turned.

The Dragons came out, if you will, breathing fire. Quick baskets to Molloy and Mary Hexter saw Drummo eat into Ballan’s lead as the Brumbies offense ran ice cold.

Drummo’s size advantage saw them take control of the offensive glass. The repeat opportunities they were earning saw them take control of the game as further baskets to Molloy and Hexter saw Drummo pull off a remarkable 14-0 run to take control of the game with a 16-10 lead.

As is often the case, Ruby Mcleod stepped up and her teammates followed with she, Indyah Cassar and McFall all picking up steals as they halted Drummo’s offense. McLeod’s work on the defensive boards against bigger girls was most impressive. Unfortunately for the Brumbies girls, they couldn’t capitalise at the other end as McLeod and the usually reliable Chloe Newton failed to convert multiple chances.

Another end-to-end layup from McFall at long last got Ballan moving. After a free throw to Drummo guard Charlee Johnson, Newton finally found her range to bring the margin back to a single point.

With just under a minute remaining coach Amy O’Brien took an exhausted McLeod out of the action, replacing her with Cassar, who had been on the bench with foul trouble. The move, though, paid immediate dividends as Cassar picked up a loose ball and wheeled away to hit a tough layup, giving Ballan the lead. Mere seconds later she committed her final foul, sending Johnson to the line. The Drummo forward’s free throws both missed and the Brumbies were able to just barely run out the clock to take an 18-17 win in a wildly see-sawing game.

**Ballan Brumbies have places available for junior boys and girls as well as senior places available. For information please contact us through the ‘How To Join’ section at www.ballanbrumbies.com.au

RESULTS

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 4 lost Phoenix Falcons 42
Ballan C 25 def Saints Timberwolves 8

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 12 drew Saints Cavaliers 12
Ballan C 54 def Wildcats 3

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 9 lost Sovereign Knights 15

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F 12 lost Drummo Dragons 14
Ballan D 11 lost Phoenix Crocodiles 17
Ballan C 40 def Saints Bucks 36

Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 30 def Wildcats 4
Ballan C 18 def Drummo Dragons 17

Under 16 Boys